Tools for kids

• Explain to children that the Internet is a public place (like the store, the neighbourhood, the playground or going to someone's house). Set the expectation that you will always monitor them online to increase their safety.
• Explain to children what the Internet is and what it can be used for.
• Teach them what is meant by personal information and where on the Internet they may be asked for it.
• Discuss appropriate and inappropriate touching.
• Teach the difference between 'Keep' and 'Speak secrets'. A Keep secret is harmless and will eventually come out, like a surprise party. A Speak secret is one that children are told to never tell and makes them uncomfortable, like someone showing them sexually explicit pictures. They need to tell a safe adult about Speak secrets.
• Teach personal safety strategies that focus on what to do versus what not to do such as the Buddy System safety root strategies: "If asked to go and your parents don't know – Shout No!", "If asked to share and your parents aren't aware – Say No!", trust your instincts, etc.
• If they feel scared about learning personal safety, provide reassurance and take time to answer their questions, as it is common for children to personalize events. They will look to their parents for how to process the personal safety information. They need to feel that they are safe.